A special education advocate helps parents of children with disabilities obtain the education and services to which their child is entitled. I work with parents to help them understand their child's disability, prioritize concerns, obtain appropriate services, and locate resources. I help develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), attend IEP meetings with parents, serve as a resource for information about the special education process, and advise parents on how to use the process efficiently to obtain an appropriate education for their child.

There is no "one size fits all" advocacy plan. Sometimes all parents need is a single consultation appointment to get back on track. If we decide more direct advocacy is necessary, I can be involved for as long as needed.

Often parents have general questions. I write the Doing Your Homework column at Wrightslaw.com. My responses there to Wrightslaw readers answer many of the most common questions parents have. If you are looking for general information, you may find your answers there.